Final answer:
With age, the cardiovascular system can develop hypertension and atherosclerosis, leading to heart attacks and congestive heart failure. Respiratory efficiency also decreases, contributing to diseases like COPD and emphysema. These changes increase the risk of morbidity and mortality, particularly in the elderly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cardiovascular and respiratory systems experience several changes with aging, which can lead to conditions such as congestive heart failure, heart attack, atherosclerosis, hypertension, COPD, and emphysema. As individuals age, arteries may stiffen, leading to hypertension and atherosclerosis, which in turn can cause coronary heart disease. This disease increases the risk of heart attacks, occurring when blood supply to the heart muscle is obstructed.
In addition, the respiratory system's efficiency declines with age, which can exacerbate conditions like COPD and emphysema, further impacting cardiovascular health. These diseases of the cardiovascular system are common and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in older populations. Factors such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, and lack of exercise can increase the risk of developing these conditions.